People prefer to dine in hotels though several restaurants have sprung up recently. Coffee houses are well patronised by locals and tourists alike. International cuisine and Arabic, Indian and Oriental food is on offer. Waiter service is the usual practice. As Islamic law forbids the consumption of alcohol, visitors must make sure that they consume alcohol only in the premises of a hotel. To buy alcohol in Oman, you need a license from your embassy. Alcohol is served only in licensed hotels and restaurants.

There are a few nightclubs and bars in Muscat but mostly in hotels. There are three air-conditioned cinema halls in Ruwi and an open-air cinema at the Al Falaj Hotel that screen Arab, Hindi and English films.

Oman is supposed to be the best place for buying Gulf souvenirs. Traditional jewellery such as small silver boxes to hold kohl, huge belts or chest pieces, is very intricately designed. Gold, bronze, coloured glass and old coins are used to decorate the basic silver work. Though shopkeepers claim their wares are ancient, often they are only 50 to 60 years’ old! Kaftans and turbans worn by Omani men, khanjars (daggers) and local pottery are things to buy. Oman is unquestionably a great place for shopping. Local craftsmen excel in arts and handicrafts such as silver jewellery making and weaving. Visitors can buy intricately carved handmade daggers, coffee pots, rose-water sprinklers, incense burners, rugs, saddles, bags, camel straps, and fragrant frankincense. Women's jewelry is perhaps the finest expression of the silversmiths' art, ranging from the kohl boxes to bracelets, earrings and rings, heavy anklets, and huge belts and necklaces.

Bargaining is not done in Oman as most prices are fixed especially in restaurants, hotels and taxis. Bargaining in souks will be disappointing.